The Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival has announced the appointment of Michael Haefliger as its new Artistic Advisor, ahead of the institution’s 50th anniversary in 2030.
In an official press release, the festival expressed its “deepest gratitude” for continued support and confirmed that Haefliger, who served for 25 years as Executive and Artistic Director of the Lucerne Festival, will help guide its future development.
A historic Japanese summer academy
Founded in 1980, the Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival was the first summer music academy and festival of its kind in Japan. It was established by violinist Koji Toyoda as Music Director and Kazuyuki Toyama as General Manager.
From the outset, the academy was conceived as an opportunity for young Japanese musicians to study directly with leading international artists. The parallel creation of a festival allowed students to experience high-level performances live, reinforcing the academy’s pedagogical mission.
Over more than four decades, the event has combined intensive instruction with daily concerts by faculty members, attracting audiences to Kusatsu’s mountainous setting and contributing to the professional development of numerous musicians.
Haefliger’s international profile
Haefliger brings significant international experience to the role. From 1999 until 2025, he led the Lucerne Festival, one of Europe’s most influential classical music festivals. During his tenure, he strengthened partnerships with major orchestras including the Berliner Philharmoniker, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and worked with conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, and Riccardo Chailly.
In 2003, he co-founded the Lucerne Festival Orchestra with Abbado, creating an invitation-only ensemble of leading international soloists and orchestral musicians. The same year, he co-founded the Lucerne Festival Academy with Pierre Boulez, focusing on the performance and study of 20th- and 21st-century repertoire. Earlier in his career, he founded the Davos Festival – Young Artists in Concert, further underlining his commitment to artistic development and education.
Under his leadership, Lucerne commissioned hundreds of new works and expanded its international reach through tours and residencies.
Looking towards 2030
The appointment comes as the Kusatsu festival prepares for its 50th anniversary in 2030 and seeks to consolidate its international profile. Organisers stated that they will continue working to enhance the festival and invited audiences to look ahead to the 46th edition of the Kusatsu Summer International Music Academy & Festival.
Subscribe to our newsletter